subject: How to Make Sure Your Security Cameras Are Legal [print this page] How to Make Sure Your Security Cameras Are Legal
Security cameras are legal in most states and can be used for a variety of purposes: To prevent shoplifting, to monitor employee activities, to make sure a business is running as efficiently as possible and so on. However, just because they're legal doesn't mean they can be installed wherever and whenever you want.
Surveillance laws and regulations vary by state and by jurisdiction, so it's important to check with law enforcement officials in your area to make sure you understand what's legal. The last thing you want is to have the evidence you record be deemed inadmissible because it was improperly obtained. To be as thorough as possible you should also meet with a lawyer in your area to discuss any privacy regulations that may prevent you from recording activity in certain areas.
A few helpful hints to keep in mind when installing security cameras at your business are:
1. If the law in your jurisdiction allows it, you can install security cameras in any publicly-accessible area of your business. However, this does not include places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as bathroom stalls, changing rooms, hotel rooms, etc.
2. You may only use footage for its intended purpose and you can only keep it for as long as it's needed
3. You cannot release footage to any third parties
4. You must post clearly-visible signs informing people that surveillance is taking place on the premises. This ensures that anyone entering your business is agreeing to be observed.
Finally, you aren't allowed to use any footage you obtain for personal amusement or gain. For instance, you can't use footage to coerce an employee into doing extra work, and you can't place security cameras in any areas where your employees have a right to privacy.
Follow these basic rules and you should be well within the law as you set up a surveillance system for your business. Remember, if you keep your security cameras in appropriate places and make sure people are aware they are present, you'll be on your way to keeping your most important assets safe and secure.
